Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Neighborhood Design Center is a non-profit, community-based corporation. The City has funded the Neighborhood Design Center since November, 1982, and in conjunction with the Ohio State University since 1986. Since that time, this organization has undertaken work for numerous clients within all the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) districts. They have provided design assistance to the business associations, their members, and non-members. The Neighborhood Design Center also carries out planning activities as well as assists with financial alternatives within the CDBG service area.
In addition, the Neighborhood Design Center provides exterior design services to any commercial property owner or tenant on the NCR strips. A minor amount of design assistance may well stimulate investment and create a quality business built upon good design. This legislation will authorize the expenditure of $143,161 for the above-mentioned purpose.
Emergency action is requested to avoid an interruption in the administration of the above activity.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the Neighborhood Design Center will consist of $143,161 from the 2012 Community Development Block Grant program.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Neighborhood Design Center; to authorize the expenditure of $143,161.00 from the 2012 Community Development Block Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($143,161.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program encourages the aesthetic improvement of exterior building facades; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Design Center has been established to promote the role of the architect in the development process to provide training for architecture students, to encourage good design in redevelopment and to generate participation in the City's commercial revitalization efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Design Center also carries out planning activities and provides financial assistance to the businesses in the NCR areas and the CDBG service area; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Development desires to enter into a contract with the Neighborhood Design Center in order to provide architectural services for exterior design work and related design assistance, and planning activities in the NCR and CDBG service area; and
WHEREAS, said non-profit corporation requires funding in order to carry out the above purpose; and
WHEREAS, emergency action is necessary to allow the Neighborhood Design Center to provide services to the business community uninterrupted; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to continue the administration of said activity, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a twelve (12) month administrative contract, commencing February 1, 2012 and ending January 31, 2013 with the Neighborhood Design Center for the provision of funds necessary to provide exterior design services and planning activities within the NCR and CDBG service areas.
Section 2. That this contract is awarded pursuant to Section 329.15 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959 as amended.
Section 3. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $143,161 or so much thereof as may be necessary from the Department of Development, Economic Development Division, Division 44-02, Fund 248, Object Level One 03, Object Level Three 3337, OCA 410219.
Section 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.